If your property boasts a pool on its premises, it’s likely to be an appealing feature for tenants in their property search. Not only are they thoroughly enjoyed throughout our warm summers, but they’re likely proving a valuable addition to your property when it comes to your return.

Provided they are built correctly and maintained regularly, pools can add decades of fun and relaxation to a property. When it comes to the maintenance of pools during a tenancy, it’s important that your tenants are aware of their obligations in caring for the pool as part of your property.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure there is a pool safety compliance certificate, which should be included in the tenancy agreement. How long your certificate is valid for depends on what state or territory the property is located, however if you are purchasing a new property, ensure the certificate is current. Certification must be made by a qualified pool inspector.

There is no doubt that with the addition of a pool comes the added risk of injury and/or drowning, therefore it’s important that safety around the pool is taken seriously. Part of the compliance certification of the pool, will be to ensure that there is an appropriate pool fence and lockable gate surrounding the pool. Your state or territory will have specific requirements in regards to this and you will need to ensure these are met. Any damage to the fence or gate throughout the tenancy should be addressed immediately.

Generally, regular pool servicing is an expense the landlord is responsible for, with the cost of pool chemicals and responsibility of maintaining correct levels of chemicals in the pool part of the tenant’s obligations, however this may differ depending on the property requirements; specifics should be detailed in the tenancy agreement and arrangements made accordingly. General maintenance such as clearing of leaves and maintaining correct water level generally falls under the tenant’s obligations.

Whether you’re considering making it an addition to your current property or perhaps it’s a feature of a property you’re considering adding to your portfolio, there are plenty of benefits for in the inclusion of a pool. Your property manager may provide a useful insight into the benefits of a swimming pool at your investment property.

By Jennifer Kent